The vegetarian’s guide to surviving Hyderabad

Going meat-free in Hyderabad is possible. Here's how you can do it.

The city of Hyderabad is an explosion of flavours. Known for its legendary cuisine, the capital of the newly-formed Telangana is the decadent dream of many a hungry stomach. But the culinary experience of the city is synonymous with rich, fragrant biryanis. Those slow-cooked, delicious meats with long-grained, soft rice exercise an almost magnetic pull over the city and its visitors. It would be easy for a place that is so well known for its carnivorous delights to overlook the vegetarians, but not Hyderabad.

One of the biggest reasons why Hyderabad is the uncrowned food capital of the country is because of the variety of options it offers all who come to it. So much so, that it’s almost criminal to call Hyderabad a city for non-vegetarians. While the iconic biryani restaurants do tend to take up the limelight, these meat-free spots have been quietly feeding the vegetarians in the city for generations. So whether you’re just visiting the City of Pearls or have newly moved to it and are looking for great veg food, these are some of the best vegetarian restaurants in Hyderabad (in no particular order) that even non-vegetarians should check out:

1. Chutneys

If a vegetarian restaurant is able to achieve cult status in Hyderabad, you can be sure it is far from ordinary. Justifying its name, Chutneys is known for, well, its heavenly chutneys. No matter what you order at the restaurant, it’s the condiments which accompany the dish that will stay with you long after you leave.

Address: Shilpa Arcade, Rd No 3, Banjara Hills (040-23358484)

2. Minerva Coffee Shop

Enveloped in a sense of tranquility, Minerva Coffee Shop is the ideal restaurant to go to if you have a strong craving for some delicious dosas. It’s a good idea to spend a quiet afternoon at the restaurant as you give in to the rich food and that refreshing coffee.

3. So, The Sky Kitchen

For a restaurant that also serves non-vegetarian food to be known for its meat-free dishes is rather remarkable. With a picturesque view of the lush KBR Park in Film Nagar, Jubilee Hills, So serves some of the best vegetarian Khau Suey in the city. As a relatively new eatery, So has made its mark on Hyderabad’s food map rather quickly. Enjoy a nice night under the stars in uptown Hyderabad with some live music and vegetarian Asian delights.

4. Kamat

Bang in the middle of a sea of biryani joints of Hyderabad’s old city stands an island of vegetarian nosh. Kamat Hotel is the one-stop answer to all your needs. From delicious breakfast in the morning to really overwhelmingly satisfying thalis for lunch, Kamat has been serving Hyderabadis for generations. The restaurant is also one of the most frequently recommended destinations in Hyderabad to grab a piping hot cup of coffee.

5. Govind Dosas

Govind Dosas, locally more famous as Govind ki bandi is exactly that — a small kiosk at the end of the road that attracts hundreds daily with its exquisite aromas. Tawa idlis and button dosas are their claim to fame, and are served with some really good coconut chutneys. Visit Govind Dosas as early in the morning as possible because, as they say, the first batch is always the best.

6. The Spicy Venue

Although City of Pearls has a cuisine of its own, the lesser known Andhra cuisine can be one of the best things you have ever tried. But be warned: things can get spicy. And when we say spicy, we don’t mean that one-sip-of-water spicy. You’ll have tears running down your face but that won’t stop you from eating. Order the most simple, vegetarian thali and have an amazing experience.

Address: No. 265/S, Road Number 10, Jubilee Hills (+91-7207095522)

7. Bikanervala

Although Bikanervala is a franchise found across India, there is something unique about the one in the busy commercial street of Banjara Hills that attracts a crowd in thousands. This three-floored food heaven is one of the most-visited restaurants in the city at all times and one of the biggest reason is its delicious chaat. Try the Raj Kachori and you will not be disappointed.

8. A’La Liberty

In a city like Hyderabad, a fine dining venue that doesn’t serve meat is almost unheard of, but then there’s A’La Liberty. With some of the most mouthwatering vegetarian fare you’ll find in the city, the restaurant is known for its Sindhi specials such as aloo tuck and dahi ke kabab. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, though, A’La Liberty’s white chocolate pizza is a delight for patrons with a sweet tooth.